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Liverpool and Southampton to battle it out for Inter Milan defensive starlet Zinho Vanheusden

The Belgium Under-19 international has shone for the Italians' youth teams and Prem clubs are now interested

LIVERPOOL and Southampton are in the hunt for Inter Milan defensive starlet Zinho Vanheusden, according to reports.

The Belgium Under-19 international has shone for the Italians' youth teams since arriving from home-country club Standard Liege in 2015.

 Inter Milan starlet Zinho Vanheusden is wanted by Liverpool and Southampton
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Inter Milan starlet Zinho Vanheusden is wanted by Liverpool and SouthamptonCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Zinho Vanheusden is one of Inter Milan's brightest prospects
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Zinho Vanheusden is one of Inter Milan's brightest prospectsCredit: Getty - Contributor

Inter coach Luciano Spalletti has called the centre-back, 18, into his senior squad for the Serie A giants' pre-season preparations.

According to Nieuwsblad, Scouts have recommended Vanheusden to Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp and new Saints chief Mauricio Pellegrino, and both clubs have opened discussions with Inter.

However the San Siro club has declared its intention to keep hold of the Hasselt-born teenager, who is under contract until 2019.

But Vanheusden would relish a move to Liverpool, where he would link up with countrymen Simon Mignolet and Divock Origi.

Chelsea and Everton watched him on international duty against Italy in March, together with clubs from across Europe including Borussia Dortmund and Lyon.

Meanwhile, the Reds look to have abandoned their chase of RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita.

 Zinho Vanheusden has been on Inter Milan's pre-season tour after impressing for the youth teams
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Zinho Vanheusden has been on Inter Milan's pre-season tour after impressing for the youth teamsCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Zinho Vanheusden has had scouts from a number of Premier League clubs go and watch him
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Zinho Vanheusden has had scouts from a number of Premier League clubs go and watch himCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Jurgen Klopp still wants to add to his squad before the start of next season
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Jurgen Klopp still wants to add to his squad before the start of next seasonCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Klopp was hoping to sign the Guinea international for a club-record £70million deal.

But the Bundesliga side have stood firm in their decision not to cash in on their star player leaving Jurgen Klopp with no choice but to pursuit other targets.

Keita is thought to be furious at Leipzig’s reluctance to let him talk to the Premier League club.


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